Reflexive fuel heating system

Abstract

A reflexive fuel heating system for fuel entering the fuel filter of an engine comprises a heat exchanger disposed between a fuel tank and the fuel filter for transferring heat generated in a gear type fuel pump to the fuel.

I claim: 
     
       1. A reflexive fuel heating system for an engine comprising a fuel tank,   a heat exchanger having a cold side inlet for liquid fuel, a cold side outlet for liquid fuel, a hot side inlet for liquid fuel and a hot side outlet for liquid fuel, the cold side liquid fuel inlet being in liquid fuel flow communication with said fuel tank,   a fuel filter having an inlet in liquid fuel flow communication with the cold side outlet of said heat exchanger and an outlet for liquid fuel,   a gear type fuel pump having an inlet in liquid fuel flow communication with said outlet of said fuel filter and a single outlet in liquid fuel flow communication with the hot side inlet of said heat exchanger, and   means connecting the hot side outlet of said heat exchanger for conducting the entire output of liquid fuel from said pump to said engine whereby heat generated in liquid fuel passing through said fuel pump is transferred in said heat exchanger to fuel upstream of said fuel filter.   
     
     
       2. A fuel heating system in accordance with claim 1 including a thermostatically controlled valve for shunting fuel around said heat exchanger at a predetermined temperature.